Cognitive ability and career choice among graduating senior high school students

This study explored the cognitive ability and career choices of 151 graduating senior high school students enrolled for the 2024-2025 school year in schools under Special Geographic Area, BARMM, Philippines. Personal factors influencing students career decisions were also identified. Student cognitive ability was measured using the Filipino Intelligence Test (F.I.T.). Data collected via standardized test and a researcher-made questionnaire. It was analyzed using Mean, Pearson product- moment correlation, and Spearman’s Rho. Descriptive statistics showed students’ cognitive abilities in vocabulary, analogy, and numerical reasoning were generally moderate, indicating adequate but not exceptional proficiency. The most common career choices were teaching (knowledge-based), nursing (skill-based), and business management (entrepreneurial). Interestingly, no statistically significant correlations were found between knowledge-based careers and any cognitive ability domains. However, students with higher numerical reasoning scores showed a greater inclination toward skill-based professions.